Sunrise Shack, the literal shack based out of Hawaii known for its smoothie bowls and coffee, will be expanding Stateside by opening a space in Long Beach. Taking over the former Playas ceviche and torta shop that closed earlier this year, the idea is to have the Long Beach location act as a central hub for its mainland expansion.
“We’re super stoked,” said co-owner Travis Smith, one of three brothers and a friend who founded Sunrise Shack. “This is our first mainland location and we’re ready to franchise. And that’s something we’ve been trying to do for years… But we had to be strategic with our growth. We’re going to be making a lot of our product out of the Long Beach location for many of our soon-to-come stores.”
Wait—what is Sunrise Shack?
Born on the North Shore of Oʻahu in 2016, Sunrise Shack began as a humble roadside stand. And it had a big dream. To bring health-minded food with local Hawaiian flair to surfers, travelers, and anyone chasing good vibes. Founded by brothers Travis, Koa, and Alex Smith, along with their friend Koa Rothman, the shack quickly became a community staple, serving up colorful smoothie bowls, bullet coffee, and fresh, nourishing bites in a laid-back, beach-side setting that embodied the island’s spirit.
What set Sunrise Shack apart was more than just its food—it was its atmosphere. The bright yellow shack became an instant landmark, radiating warmth and positivity. Visitors weren’t just grabbing an açaí bowl. They were stepping into a lifestyle centered on wellness, sunshine, and connection to the land and sea. Word spread fast. And soon lines of locals and tourists alike stretched out front, each person drawn in by the brand’s signature blend of health, surf culture, and aloha spirit.
Since its beginnings, Sunrise Shack has grown into multiple locations across Hawaiʻi and even beyond, carrying its North Shore ethos wherever it goes. Yet despite its expansion, the brand remains rooted in the values it started with: celebrating simple, wholesome food and the joy of island living. It’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest movements can start with the smallest shacks, as long as they shine bright enough.
Yes, Sunrise has Long Beach roots via Common Room Roasters.
Sunrise Shack has been using—you guessed it—Common Room Roasters coffee. And not just recently. It’s been using it for seven years now, linking the mighty yellow shack to the shores of our city.
“We’ve curated a coffee program that reflects their energy and ethos. All the while maintaining the same level of expertise and craftsmanship we bring to every partnership,” wrote Riley Smith of Common Room. “Their bulletproof coffee program? It has become a menu staple. And it’s built around a custom-sourced single-origin blend that pairs seamlessly with their smoothies.
“Following the successful launch of the espresso bar at Kapahulu, Sunrise Shack has now expanded their full espresso program to all locations across the island. From lattes to cortados, the program introduces a new level of specialty coffee to their menu—crafted with precision, consistency, and that unmistakable Sunrise Shack vibe. We’re proud to support Sunrise Shack’s growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to their community. Congratulations on the newest locations and the expansion of the espresso program! We can’t wait to see what’s next on this journey together.”
Sunrise Shack will be located at 4501 E. Carson St #113.
